Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it through your bank's website, app, or by calling customer service
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account. You need it when setting up direct deposit, making wire transfers, or arranging automatic payments. The fastest way to find it depends on what you have access to right now.
If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom left corner of any check. The first set of numbers is your routing number. If you don't have checks or prefer not to write one, your bank's website or mobile app will show it in the account details section. You can also call your bank's customer service line — they'll give you the number in under a minute.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- Most banks display your routing number in the account information section of their website or app.
- You can call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card to get your routing number over the phone.
- The routing number is specific to your bank's location or branch, not to you personally — many people at the same bank share the same routing number.
Finding it on a check
Open your checkbook and pull out any check. At the bottom of the check, you'll see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group — always nine digits — is your routing number. The second group is your account number. The third is the check number itself.
This method works only if you have checks in hand. If your bank stopped sending you checks or you've run out, move to one of the other methods below.
Finding it online or in your bank's app
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Account Settings." Your routing number will be listed there alongside your account number. Some banks put it under "Transfer Information" or "Wire Instructions" instead.
If you can't find it in those sections, use the search or help function within the app or website and search for "routing number." Most banks have a dedicated page or FAQ that shows it immediately. This method takes about two minutes and doesn't require you to call anyone.
Calling your bank directly
The phone number for customer service is printed on the back of your debit card. Call that number, tell them you need your routing number, and they'll provide it. You may need to verify your identity with your account number or Social Security number first.
This is the slowest method if you're in a queue, but it's reliable and works even if you don't have online access. Some banks also have automated phone systems that let you retrieve your routing number without speaking to a person — the system will tell you when you call.
Using the Federal Reserve's routing number database
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of all U.S. bank routing numbers. Go to the Federal Reserve's website and use their routing number search tool. Enter your bank's name and state, and the database will return the routing number for that bank's main office or the branch you specify.
This method works if you know your bank's name and location but have lost access to your account temporarily. Keep in mind that some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which branch or service handles your account, so confirm with your bank if the number you find matches your specific account.
What to do if you have multiple accounts at the same bank
If you hold a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they typically share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank, not the individual account. Your account number is what distinguishes one account from another within that bank.
However, some banks assign different routing numbers to different types of accounts or services — for example, a routing number for checking accounts and a separate one for wire transfers. If you're setting up a transfer or direct deposit and you're unsure which routing number to use, ask your bank which one applies to that specific transaction.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
Online banks and credit unions work the same way as traditional banks. Your routing number will be in your account details online or available by phone. Credit unions often have their routing number printed on member cards or statements, and it's searchable in the Federal Reserve database by the credit union's name and state.
If you bank with a smaller credit union or online bank and can't find the routing number online, call the number on your debit card or statement. These institutions are required to provide it on request, and it usually takes one phone call to get the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are printed on your checks, with the routing number first. You need both for direct deposit and wire transfers.
Can I use someone else's routing number if we bank at the same place?
Yes, as long as you're both at the same bank branch or institution. The routing number directs money to the bank, and your account number directs it to your specific account. Using the correct account number is what matters for getting money to the right place.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may have changed when the merger happened. Check your most recent statement or log into your account online to see the current routing number. If you're unsure, call customer service — they'll confirm which routing number applies to your account now.
Do I need my routing number to transfer money between my own accounts?
Not always. If both accounts are at the same bank, you can usually transfer money through the bank's app or website without entering a routing number. You only need it for transfers between different banks or for setting up direct deposit from an employer.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is not sensitive information — it's printed on every check you write and is publicly available in the Federal Reserve database. You need to share it for direct deposit and bill payments. Your account number is what you should protect more carefully.